Does SPF alignment mean the same as DKIM alignment?

Myth: False. SPF alignment and DKIM alignment are different concepts. SPF alignment compares the MAIL FROM domain with the From header domain. DKIM alignment compares the signing domain with the From header domain.

Both types of alignment matter for DMARC, but they verify different things. SPF alignment verifies authorized sending IP is associated with the From domain. DKIM alignment verifies the signing domain matches the From domain.

DMARC passes if either alignment passes (in relaxed mode) or if the specific alignment type passes with matching identifiers (in strict mode).